Abstract

This preliminary research examines traffic safety variables that are influencing the behavior of interest groups in the European Union. Utilizing a fixed effects estimation model, this research identifies variables that are influencing traffic deaths in the 15 member states that made up the European Union prior to May 1, 2004. Time series data analyzing the impact of vehicle concentration in member states, unemployment, length of roadways, legal driving blood alcohol levels, speed on roadways, gross domestic product per capita, and alcohol consumption per capita are examined across time in these countries. Further research on this question will investigate how interest groups are altering the relationship between these variables and the dependent variable, traffic fatalities. In turn, future research will investigate the lobbying efforts of interest groups as they attempt to influence traffic safety policy in the European Union.